The connection between Chelsea and Strasbourg within BlueCo’s multi-club structure has been placed under the spotlight following a series of transfer dealings between the sides.
On deadline day of the January transfer window, three players were involved in moves: Mamadou Sarr returned to Chelsea, cutting short his loan spell at Strasbourg, while Aaron Anselmino and David Datro Fofana joined the Ligue 1 club on temporary agreements for the rest of the campaign.
It is also notable that Chelsea appointed Rosenior after Enzo Maresca’s unexpected departure from Strasbourg on New Year’s Day.
At first glance, it is understandable why some observers — including sections of Strasbourg’s fan base — feel the French club often draws the shorter straw in this partnership.
Rosenior, however, rejected that interpretation.
“No. No, I didn’t. You’ll see,” the Chelsea head coach said when asked whether Strasbourg were treated as a lesser partner.
“Mamadou has come back. Aaron Anselmino is not a bad player — he’s a fantastic player. Datro Fofana has gone.
“This isn’t about being a junior or a senior partner. These are two huge clubs.
“Strasbourg is a massive football club with its own identity, its own culture and its own ambitions.
“They have a big match against Monaco tonight, which I’ll be watching.
“Gary (O’Neil) has made a very strong start.
“The whole idea of this project is that both clubs become very successful, and I truly believe that will happen.”
Chelsea–Strasbourg complex multi-club ownership structure
It is difficult not to sympathise with Strasbourg supporters who have expressed frustration over the latest transactions between the two clubs.
There remains a possibility that Chelsea could continue to take Strasbourg’s standout players, as seen with the signings of Sarr and Emmanuel Emegha, who has already agreed a move to West London in the summer.
On the other hand, the situation may not be very different even without BlueCo’s takeover.
Strasbourg would likely still struggle to hold on to their top talents against interest from Chelsea or other elite European clubs.
It is also easy to miss the advantages Strasbourg have gained from the partnership.
They now benefit from Chelsea’s scouting network and infrastructure, as well as access to the Premier League club’s loan system.
Mike Penders, for instance, has played an important role for Strasbourg since arriving on loan last summer.
According to a BBC report, Strasbourg’s spending capacity has also increased significantly over the past three seasons.
The club reportedly spent £6.1m, £3.9m and £9.5m in the three campaigns prior to BlueCo’s takeover, compared with £52.6m, £53.6m and £96.5m across the last three seasons.
The same report adds that Strasbourg even outspent Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (£89.2m) last summer.
That said, many Chelsea supporters would likely concede they would not be pleased if they were in the position of Strasbourg fans.
